Back-to-back blow to CSK, another star to miss 2-3 matches in IPL 2026 after MS Dhoni jolt

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered another blow right ahead of their IPL 2026 campaign opener against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 30. Following the worrisome injury update on of their former skipper MS Dhoni, another key batter in the squad is now unlikely to play in the first few matches of the 19th season.

CSK's Dewald Brevis doubtful for IPL 2026 starter

South Africa’s star batter Dewald Brevis is likely to miss the team's first two to three games. The aggressive right-hander is reportedly sidelined due to a side strain injury, adding to the team's availability headaches right before their opening fixture.

CSK are all set to launch their season against RR on March 30 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

Notably, Brevis, who initially began his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians, joined CSK mid-way through 2025 as a replacement for Gurjapneet Singh. He quickly became a vital cog in the lineup, smashing 225 runs in just six games at a blistering strike rate of 180. His potential saw him retained as a cornerstone for the franchise’s future, making his early-season absence a significant setback.

MS Dhoni to miss first six matches

This development follows the earlier confirmation that legendary wicketkeeper-batter Dhoni will be unavailable for at least the first two weeks of the tournament. Dealing with a calf strain, the 44-year-old is expected to remain on the sidelines until the final week of April. Later, TOI reported that Dhoni's return might get further delayed and he could miss the first six matches. These combined absences put immense pressure on a squad that is desperate for a redemption arc after a disastrous 2025 campaign, where they finished at the bottom of the table for the first time in their history, securing only four wins in 14 matches.